On November 2, 1917, Opal LaVerne Lawler was born in Cole, MO, the first of three children born to Evan Dale and Sarah Opal (McQueen) Lawler. She passed to her Heavenly home on March 21, 2015, at the age of 97 years, 4 months and 19 days.
Accepting Jesus as her Savior, she was baptized in Vista. LaVerne graduated from Osceola High School in 1936. As many women of her generation, she had many occupations including teaching school in Collins, Vista, Roscoe and Chalk Level; working as probate clerk and magistrate clerk; County Superintendent’s Secretary; John Belisle’s legal secretary; restaurateur; and retired as a social worker for the Missouri Division of Family services.
Through the years LaVerne opened her home to many children in the community. LaVerne was a member of Osceola Community Church, Osceola Baptist Church, charter member of the P.T.A, Past Worthy Matron of Order Eastern Star, St. Clair County TB Association, and Charter member of the Saddle Club. On December 24, 1936, LaVerne married Ted Sink in a double wedding ceremony with their best friends. To this union five daughters were born: Betty Ray Disney Long (Alan, who preceded her in death; Jerry); Lindal Gibbens of Osceola; Teddie Farnsworth (Ed) of Jefferson City; Pat Cleveland (Mark); Kim Burton (Mike); Beth Garrison (Monty) all of Osceola.
LaVerne was preceded in death by a daughter, Betty Ray; an infant grandson, Jon David Long; her parents; two brothers: Dale and Denver.
She is survived by remaining daughters; grandchildren: Matt Gibbens (Billie), Lea Rae Porta (Brady), Trisha Farnsworth (Mark), Todd Farnsworth (Tracy), Tyler Farnsworth (Erin), Mandi Jones (Ryan), Sarah Campbell (Cody), Scott Brown (Carlie), Andi Smith (Josh), Stefan Garrison, Jordan Garrison, Linda Meador (Ron), Jackie Weaver, Stacey Alcocer (Andres) and Chris Burton (Sarah); great-grandchildren: Caleb and Corey Gibbens; Logan, Coleman and Morgan Porta; Jackson, Anna and Ella Farnsworth; Kate and Avery Farnsworth; Theodore Farnsworth; Quinten, Sabrina and Jocelyn Jones; Caden, Cyrus, Brinley and Colten Campbell; Cash Brown; Kaiya and Lake Smith; soon to arrive baby Alcocer; Brittany and Chaps Weaver; great-great-grandchildren: Jaxton and Gunner Weaver; other relatives and many friends. She will always be loved and sadly missed by family and friends. LaVerne’s spirit will be ever present in her children and grandchildren who loved her dearly.
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